Devils Path Catskill Mountains (Pic Heavy)

Tanker 1/66

Tanker 1/66

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May 18, 2015
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I've been training for this hike for a couple of months now. Lost 25lbs, built up my endurance, improved my gear ect... I completely underestimated this climb. To complete the whole path is about 25 miles which includes peaking 5 of the 7 tallest mountains in the Catskills each one being between 3600-3900 feet. The first 12.5 miles takes you up over and down Indian Head, Twin Peaks (two seperate mountains) Sugar Loaf, and Plateau mountains.That puts you at the Devils Tombstone Camping area. You can camp and make fire anyplace below 3500 feet. My Brother in law his 15 year old son and yours truly attempted the whole hike. Disclaimer or I should say excuses lol. My left leg was severed and reattached, my brother in law has two fused ankles and 7 fingers, and his son well his son is normal lol We started the climb at 0630 and made the Devil's Tombstone at 2100!!!! 14.5 hrs to make 12.5 miles as the crow flies. We didnt make the whole hike and ended up popping smoke and calling for a spouse dustoff. Next spring when the water is more abundant and we have trained more we are going to complete the whole Devils Path!!!!
Pictures are in order of the listed times and mountains.

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Beautiful thread! I know ya didn't make the whole thing but congrats on making it as far as you did, that is pretty awesome!
 
I froze 80% venison and 20% hawg. By the time we reached the tombstone it was thawed.We just built a fire and threw it on.
 
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You did way better than I could have done. My fat ass can't go to the bathroom without being winded. Of course, that sumbich is heavy...:P
 
Wow excellent pics tank dude. I can see "as the crow flies" doesn't really apply to this hike. Pretty rugged terrain to be slogging over. Good on ya for tackling it. I'm sure you'll kick it's azz next year! Thanks for sharing.
 
Hardcore man! I heard the Catskills were no joke with major elevation changes! Good on you and your boy getting out there for some of the best adventure there is! I see the bk5 is getting some action now. Thanks for sharing brother!
 
Tanker 1/66 said:
I froze 80% venison and 20% hawg. By the time we reached the tombstone it was thawed.We just built a fire and threw it on.
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MTM and I do that all the time. Marinate and freeze some steaks. By the time we get to our campspot, it's thawed out ready to cook! Must the high speed low drag kinda thing...:)
 
91bravo said:
Hardcore man! I heard the Catskills were no joke with major elevation changes! Good on you and your boy getting out there for some of the best adventure there is! I see the bk5 is getting some action now. Thanks for sharing brother!
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Thanks bravo. The 5 definitely got some use. It dipped down into the high 40s temp wise. Everybody was sweaty and when you stop moving you feel it fast. That 5 is no joke what a nice light hiking blade. Processed the hell out of that log. Its my long range hiking blade from now on.
 
91bravo said:
MTM and I do that all the time. Marinate and freeze some steaks. By the time we get to our campspot, it's thawed out ready to cook! Must the high speed low drag kinda thing...:)
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By about 8 miles in i was dragging low lol. After eating protein bars and beef jerky all day. That hot venison meal was like Heaven on the Devils teail lol
 
Tanker 1/66 said:
Thanks bravo. The 5 definitely got some use. It dipped down into the high 40s temp wise. Everybody was sweaty and when you stop moving you feel it fast. That 5 is no joke what a nice light hiking blade. Processed the hell out of that log. Its my long range hiking blade from now on.
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There wasn't a ridge to run once you peaked. You asended crossed the peak and desended back to a valley on every mountain. I believe the total elevation change for the trail is 38,000 feet
 
Looks like your path kept you up at the top of the ridges most of the time. That would be the route I would take too! We like to camp at lower elevations so we can be near a water source!
 
I live about an hour away. I give the both of you credit for doing a great job taking this trail on and getting as far as you did. It's a trying trip for most to complete the trail.
I wish you the best next year.
 
High Standard said:
I live about an hour away. I give the both of you credit for doing a great job taking this trail on and getting as far as you did. It's a trying trip for most to complete the trail.
I wish you the best next year.
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I have been using Breakneck ridge as my training ground. I've climbed it 4 times already 12 mile round trips in about 6 hours. Its a challenging difficult climb but doesn't even compare to the Devil's Path. Thank you. And I will complete it next spring
 
Tanker 1/66 said:
Warrior just clearing your cabin property is a challenging workout! !!! I don't think you need to hike also lol
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Yeah, but I only get there pretty much once per month, sometimes twice. Have owned it for 38 months now, and have been there 49 times. Not much of a workout, haha. Going there tomorrow morning, for an overnighter. Hope to get my driveway widened up. Mainly, it involves moving a lot of rocks.
 
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